On April 27, 2009, Slidell Police Capt. James Noble drove to a relative's funeral in the Houma area in a city-owned vehicle and got into an auto accident. Two people who were injured in the wreck subsequently sued Slidell for damages in Terrebonne Parish civil court, and council members on Tuesday authorized City Attorney Bryan Haggerty to settle the litigation.

Slidell's mayoral administration declined to comment on the amount of the settlement, but sources with knowledge of the situation have indicated Haggerty has been given the go-ahead to settle the lawsuit for up to $50,000, which is the maximum exposure the city has in such cases. If the amount exceeds that, the municipality's insurance covers the remainder, said a source who, like the others, spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the litigation.

The lawsuit stems from an accident on Louisiana 24 North in Terrebonne Parish.

According to the original petition for damages, Nelis Chassion and his wife, Christine Chassion, were in a 2006 Ford F-150 pickup stopped in a private drive along the highway. Noble, who had approval to drive the city-owned 2002 Ford Explorer that day, headed north in the far outside lane of the highway. He switched to the inside lane and struck a 2000 Mitsubishi Galant driven by Tina A. Young, the petition states.

As a result of the collision, the Explorer and Galant left the highway and entered the private drive where the Chassions were stopped. The Chassions' pickup was struck head on, and the occupants suffered "serious, permanent and disabling injuries," the suit said.

Nelis Chassion "sustained ... bruising to his face and ribs, and injuries to his neck, right knee, right hip and low back, all requiring ongoing medical treatment," the petition claims. Meanwhile, Christine Chassion's neck, knees, back and hips were hurt.

In their subsequent lawsuit, the Chassions sought damages for physical pain and suffering; mental anguish and emotional distress; inconvenience and loss of enjoyment of life; and medical and related expenses. Additionally, Nelis Chassion lost wages and earning capacity, and Christine Chassion experienced "permanent scarring and disfigurement," the petition noted.

The Chassions, who were represented by the law office of Vincent J. DeSalvo, blamed Noble for the accident. They alleged, among other things, that he changed lanes without first making sure it was safe to do so; failed to control the Explorer; and drove inattentively. Noble, however, was not cited, Haggerty said in a text message Wednesday.

Haggerty on Tuesday met with the Slidell City Council in executive session to discuss settling the Chassions' case. A city ordinance mandates that Haggerty must seek council approval to settle any litigation for more than $20,000.

When officials emerged from their executive session, Councilman Sam Caruso moved to allow Haggerty to settle. The council voted 9-0 to pass Caruso's motion.